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A Ghanaian Artist’s Journey to Euthanasia: A Stark Look at Mental Health and the Right to Die
Table of Contents
- 1. A Ghanaian Artist’s Journey to Euthanasia: A Stark Look at Mental Health and the Right to Die
- 2. “The Last Supper”: finding Connection Before the End
- 3. Unpacking the “Why”: Joseph’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder and Trauma
- 4. Bipolar Disorder: More Than Just Mood Swings
- 5. Euthanasia and mental Illness: A Contentious debate in the U.S.
- 6. What are the limitations of relying solely on psychiatric evaluations to determine a patient’s capacity for making an informed decision about assisted suicide in cases of severe depression?
- 7. An Interview on Assisted Suicide for Depression: Navigating the Ethical and Legal Complexities
- 8. the Ethics of Assisted Suicide and Mental Illness
- 9. Legal Frameworks and Physician-Assisted Death
- 10. Challenges in Assessing Capacity
- 11. The Role of Mental Health Professionals
- 12. Looking Ahead: Future Considerations
Joseph “Nana Kwame” Awuah-Darko, known as Okuntakinte, is openly documenting his decision to pursue euthanasia in the Netherlands due to treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, sparking a global conversation about mental health and end-of-life choices.
Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide and sexual harassment.
Hi,I’m Joseph. I’m bipolar, and I’ve moved to the Netherlands to legally end my life.
These were the words artist Joseph “Nana Kwame” Awuah-Darko, also known as Okuntakinte, shared in an Instagram reel on Dec. 9, 2024. The message, raw and unfiltered, brought the complex and often taboo topic of euthanasia for mental illness into sharp focus.
Joseph’s decision, far from impulsive, comes after years of battling treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. The process of being approved for assisted euthanasia in the Netherlands can take several years. His openness has ignited a firestorm of reactions, ranging from support and empathy to criticism and accusations of glorifying suicide.
The 28-year-old Ghanaian artist stated,I’m not special,I’m just ready.
His case highlights a growing, albeit controversial, acceptance of euthanasia for individuals with unbearable mental suffering, a concept gaining traction in some European nations but remaining largely restricted and debated in the United States.
In 2023, the Netherlands reported 9,068 cases of euthanasia, representing 5.4% of the country’s total deaths. While the practice remains relatively rare,Joseph’s decision to document his journey so publicly marks a notable moment in the ongoing dialogue.
The decision has taken a personal toll. Two days ago, I announced my decision to legally end my life due to my struggles with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. And now my fiancé has left me. And I don’t blame him. We’re still friends, but the pain is still quite real,
he shared in a subsequent post.
“The Last Supper”: finding Connection Before the End
While awaiting final approval for euthanasia, Joseph, embracing his artistic spirit, embarked on a project called “The Last Supper.” Inspired by the numerous dinner invitations he received after his initial announcement, he began accepting invitations from strangers, sharing meals, conversations, and moments of connection.
As of March 2025,Joseph has attended 70 such dinners. The response was overwhelming, with his calendar filling up rapidly.Many of his hosts are individuals grappling with their own mental health challenges, and some are even considering assisted death themselves.
One such person is Emmanuel,with whom Joseph shared his 70th dinner. Emmanuel is scheduled for medically assisted death on July 30. today was the first (and perhaps last) time my dear friend Emmanuel cooked for me as he prepares towards his medically assisted death on the 30th of July. It was beautiful to see him thriving in the kitchen as someone who considers cooking to be a love language. I’m glad I can be by his side during this uniquely intense chapter in his life. He seemed happy, relaxed and eager for the final day in a way that I can painfully appreciate,
Joseph wrote, highlighting the profound human connections forged in the face of mortality.
Among his unique experiences, Joseph was hosted by a South Indian woman and her friends for his 40th dinner and extended an invitation from the Pop sensation SZA.
Unpacking the “Why”: Joseph’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder and Trauma
While Joseph’s reasons are deeply personal, his struggles with mental illness and past trauma are undeniable. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16,he describes a life of intense emotional instability and failed treatments.He has also alleged being sexually assaulted, twice in June 2021 by artist Kehinde Wiley and as a child, repeatedly molested by his math teacher.
His battle with bipolar disorder has been especially debilitating.He has attempted suicide three times and now views euthanasia as a more dignified option, a way to exert control over his own suffering.
Bipolar Disorder: More Than Just Mood Swings
I am not saying that life (as a phenomenon) isn’t worth living. It ABSOLUTELY is. What I am saying is that the mental weight of MINE has become entirely unbearable,
Joseph explained in a post, underscoring the distinction between the inherent value of life and the unbearable nature of his personal experience.
The American Psychiatric Association defines bipolar disorders as conditions characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can range from periods of intense elation and energy (mania) to periods of profound sadness and hopelessness (depression). These states can last for days or weeks. For many, like Joseph, the condition proves resistant to conventional treatments.
The reality of living with bipolar disorder is frequently enough far more complex than simple mood swings. It can involve a constant cycle of emotional extremes that drastically affect a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Consider these additional insights from mental health experts in the U.S.:
- Dr. Emily Carter, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic: “Bipolar disorder can considerably impair judgment, leading to risky behaviors during manic episodes. These behaviors can have devastating consequences for relationships,finances,and careers.”
- Sarah Jones, a licensed clinical social worker in New york City: “Many of my clients with bipolar disorder struggle with maintaining stable relationships. The unpredictable nature of their mood swings can be incredibly challenging for loved ones to understand and cope with.”
- David Miller, a support group facilitator for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) in Chicago: “The stigma surrounding bipolar disorder can be incredibly isolating. Many people are afraid to seek help as they fear judgment or discrimination.”
Euthanasia and mental Illness: A Contentious debate in the U.S.
Joseph’s case throws into sharp relief the ethical and legal complexities surrounding euthanasia for mental illness, particularly in the United States.While physician-assisted suicide is legal in a limited number of states (typically for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less), it is overwhelmingly restricted to cases of physical, not mental, suffering.
This distinction raises profound questions: Can mental pain be as unbearable as physical pain? Who gets to decide when suffering is “unbearable”? What safeguards are necessary to prevent abuse and ensure that individuals are making informed, autonomous decisions?
Here’s a breakdown of the current legal landscape in the U.S. as of March 2025:
| State | Physician-Assisted Suicide Legal? | Conditions | Mental Illness as Qualifying Condition? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Yes | Terminal illness, 6-month prognosis | No |
| Washington | yes | Terminal illness, 6-month prognosis | No |
